News & Analysis

Buccaneers: Is Evans emerging as the top receiver?

By ajstevens &bullet;
Nov 6, 2014

Mike Evans has been a consistent contributor for the Buccaneers offense this season, but may be emerging as the teams main target after his Week 9 break-out performance. Evans had seven receptions for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, his +2.6 receiving grade was third-best among all wide receivers for the week. His teammate Vincent Jackson also graded positively, with a +1.3 receiving grade, but Jackson’s performance was less dramatic, with six catches for 86 yards and zero touchdowns.

Both receivers have broadly similar stat lines for the season, but Evans has outperformed Jackson across our wide receiver metrics. Evans has recorded 32 receptions for 460 yards and four touchdowns on his way to an 87.1 WR Rating. Jackson also has 32 receptions, for 443 receiving yards, two touchdowns and a 60.0 WR Rating. Evans’ has just two drops for 5.88 Drop Rate, while Jackson’s six drops give him a less impressive 15.79 Drop Rate. Evans’ 2.07 Yards per Route Run is second-best among rookie receivers, and ahead of Jackson’s 1.49.

Evans has established himself as a dynamic complement to the veteran Jackson, and is potentially the team’s leading receiving option.Whoever the team has under center, they clearly have talent to work with.